From getting your family "back to nature" to enjoying a leisurely adults-only float, tubing the waterways of the north shore is a common pastime for New Orleanians. We've got details on the main tubing companies within an hour's drive, so if you're ready to pack up the ice chest, beach towels and sunscreen for a last adventure of summer, all the information for planning a day of tubing is right here, at your fingertips.

Participants should always avoid alcohol use while tubing, strictly follow all safety guidelines, and non-swimmers should wear life preservers. If these guidelines are followed, the activity can be safe and enjoyable for all ages.

Annette LaRue, owner of Louisiana River Adventures in Franklinton -- until last year, known as Wayne's World tubing -- believes floating down a slow-moving, muddy south Louisiana river such as the Bogue Chitto offers a moderate level of adventure that's about right for most everyone.

"It is a nice calm time with friends and family," LaRue said.

There is no crystal clear water. There are no gentle rapids. What you do find, however, is an opportunity to view the mossy oaks, cypress knees and bird's nests of south Louisiana from a different vantage point. There's a chance to be outside, but still cool off. There's a chance to be a part of it all. What's more, according to LaRue, it provides an opportunity to really bond.

"You must look after each other on the river, and that can help people bond a little, in a weird kind of way," LaRue said. "It is a little scary for some groups, and when you get back on land, it is an adventure you went through with them. That makes great memories folks can carry with them all their lives."

LaRue bought Louisiana River Adventures in June. Since that time, she's made a few changes; she now offers double-person tubes and tube-tracker kayaks. Most have back rests and cup holders, she said.

What advice does LaRue have for tube newbies, who have never taken a river float?

"I tell everyone just have plenty of sunblock, water to drink, and maybe some light color clothing if you don't want to expose your skin to the sun," LaRue said. "The water is always refreshing and it only takes a minute to cool off on one of the many beaches on the river."

"It is never too hot to cool off in the river ...," Mizell said. "We love having families come and enjoy the outdoors together."

Here are the details on the main north shore tubing providers, within an hour's drive of New Orleans. All drive participants to a drop-off point upriver, and they float back to the starting point. For all services listed below, bus or van transport is included in the fees.

A float costs $16 for a single tube, or $35 for a double tube seating two people. The price is the same whether you select a two-hour or a four-hour float. The first shuttle to drop-off point leaves at 9 a.m. and runs every 30 minutes. Louisiana River Adventures also offers kayaking, horseback riding, and camping.

A float costs $15 per tube, and ice chest tubes cost $5 for either two-hour or four-hour floats. There is no charge for life jackets. The center opens at 8 a.m. Other services offered on-site include canoeing, kayaking, and camping.

A popular tubing spot along the Amite River, Tiki Tubing offers a four-hour float with basic tube for $20 per person, or "your choice" of a fancy tube for $26. Ice chests are $9 and rental of a float only for an ice chest is $8. Also located on-site is a zipline, which can be found at Tikizipline.com.